DESPITE an early setback, Newpark - one of the most committed schools in Section A - progressed to the next round. The sympathy of most neutrals at Sutton went to Portmarnock, who turned in a good honest performance - but in the end they lacked the figures to mount any real sort of challenge.

Portmarnock had got off to an encouraging start when a lovely angled run from Damian O'Leary resulted in a try in the corner after five minutes.

Newpark at that stage were struggling with Portmarnock winning some good possession in the line out. Crucially, though, they failed to get in some good first time tackling and by half time Newpark led comfortably, 26-5, with tries from Mark Leinster (2), Paul Murray and Greg Felton, all but one of which were converted by David Doran.

Newpark lost influential flanker Leinster early in the second half, but further scores came eventually from Murray and left wing Doug Tormey, with Doran adding a conversion. Portmarnock had a consolation try by O Leary which Colm O'Driscoll converted to give the scoreboard a more realistic look.